Detectives investigating a shooting in Auckland, New Zealand, have named two people who were killed.
Solomona Tootoo, 45, and Tupuga Sipiliano, 44, both of Auckland, died after a gunman opened fire at building site on Queen Street – Aucklan’s main thoroughfare – at 7.20am on Thursday. Police officers confirmed four other people were injured at the scene.
In a statement, New Zealand Police said: “Police extend sincere condolences to the families, who are grieving the loss of their loved ones.”
The gunman, identified as 24-year-old Matu Tangi Matua Reid is said to have been a worker at the construction site. Officers believe he attended the site on Thursday for work purposes.
Police extend sincere condolences to the families, who are grieving the loss of their loved ones.
READ MORE: Gunman who opened fire at construction site in New Zealand killed two co-workers
Court records allege the suspected gunman had a history of family violence and was the subject of a home detention sentence. It has not been confirmed if he took his own life or was shot by a police officer.
Officers continue to investigate the incident. It remains unclear at present why the gunman opened fire at the building site.
Police Commissioner Andrew Coster had noted the gunman had indications of a history of mental illness. Nevertheless, his history hadn’t led to think he could pose a “high level of risk” to the public, Mr Coster said.
He explained: “The individual is known for primarily family violence history. There is nothing to suggest that he has a higher level of risk than was indicated by that history.”
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The tragedy struck hours before the Women’s World Cup kicked off in the city.
New Zealand prime minister Chris Hipkins, who visited the shooting scene, said the event would proceed as planned and the “standalone incident” would not impact the level of national security risk.
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